Hyperkalemia, or excess blood potassium, occurs when potassium moves out of the cells and tissues, and into the bloodstream. Under normal circumstances, potassium acts as an electrical conductor and maintains the balance between the electrical and chemical processes in the body. Excess blood potassium can affect the heartbeat, impair muscle function and, in severe cases, cause cardiac arrest. To prevent complications of hyperkalemia, several things can be done to lower your blood potassium.
Causes
Kidney disease, such as kidney failure or glomerulonephritis, can cause a rise in potassium levels because the kidneys can no longer effectively filter potassium out of the body. Tissue trauma, such as burns, severe injuries and surgery, can also cause a rise in blood potassium levels as can diseases such as Addison's or hemolytic disorders. Acidosis, a condition where the blood becomes acidic, can also trigger an increase in blood potassium. High potassium consumption, combined with impaired kidney function, will cause hyperkalemia as well.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
In mild cases, you might experience no symptoms at all. At higher levels, you might experience nausea, an irregular heartbeat or a weak pulse. You might also experience fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling and paralysis in your extremities, and difficulty breathing. A diagnostic test might reveal high levels of blood potassium, or an ECG might reveal heart anomalies associated with the disorder. If you notice any symptoms, especially if you have known kidney disease, consult your physician.
Medical Treatments
In cases of chronic hyperkalemia, your physician might prescribe medications to lower the potassium levels in your blood. If you have kidney disease, you might need to take loop diuretics or have regular dialysis treatments to keep your potassium levels in check. Certain medications, such as potassium-sparing diuretics, might raise your potassium levels, and your doctor will need to prescribe alternative medications.
Home and Alternative Treatments
Avoidance is the best course of action in treating hyperkalemia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Avoid high potassium foods, such as bananas, tomatoes and noni juice, as well as diets high in red meat. Stop smoking, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Stay well hydrated -- your urine should be pale yellow -- and exercise 30 minutes a day, five days per week. Avoid salt substitutes and low-sodium foods that use potassium in place of sodium. Do not take potassium supplements if you have kidney disease or hyperkalemia. Massage therapy and acupuncture might help restore kidney function, a major factor in high potassium levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening position. Do not rely on home treatments alone to control your condition. Work closely with your physician to devise a treatment plan to keep your potassium levels in check and treat any underlying conditions that may be causing the disorder.
Member Comments